Before and After
Posted by: Rich in Arizona, Digital Photography, Notes from Gadget, Photo of the Day, Photoshop
Photo sorting has come under control. Several hours of work, but in the end I know what I like and don’t like in my collection from the past few days. I’m happy to say, there were many shots that went into the “like” category.
One shot that I really like is the one you’re looking at today. But here’s the thing…..the rocks were a little washed out. Ok, they were extremely washed out. Direct sunlight, whitish rocks, dark plants. Hmmmmm……
So, I did a little retouching to see if I like it more. The photo wasn’t put into Photoshop CS3. That would be too much. Instead I did simple developing work in Photoshop Lightroom. It’s got a great develop module. In that module you can alter tone curves, add clarity (I did that), punch up the colors, etc. It’s a slick interface to say the least, and I finally really know how to use it.
Alright, here’s the after photo. I punched up the clarity, and contrast of the rocks. While they’re still super white, you can see along the left edge that the rocks have more definition.
Beyond that, little editing at all. I just wanted the over bright rocks to have a little more texture, and I think I brought it out well.
See, doing edits doesn’t mean extreme changes to photography. Instead in this instance I corrected a problem with my shot choice in harsh lighting. I think while the improvement is slight, it still does a lot for the photo.
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I like how you can see more texture on the touched up rocks…It’s amazing what a little magic can do!
Well, the rocks certainly look better in the second photo…although, now I think the green looks too yellow?
(as yes, everyone’s a critic aren’t they?)
i located a copy of lightroom this weekend. choked on the cost. i will need to wait awhile before purchasing.
i like the subtle change.
how is lightroom’s touchup abilities different from using bridges?
Rowan,
Wait just a bit. Lightroom 2 is on it’s way with even more. Buy that one, hold off on Version 1.
The ability to tweak color, tone curves, contrast, etc, actually goes beyond my Photoshop (my opinion). There are a few tools that should be in Photoshop. I’m sure they’re coming.
But Lightroom is a “Digital Darkroom” program. Photoshop is an after development tool. Lightroom saves me tons of time (and I loved my Iphoto, but I’m not going back). It’s a worthwhile program. Just get #2 and Scott Kelby’s book on it (already in the hopper). You’ll be thrilled you got both!
Excellent retouch!
In one of my photography classes, the instructor, Darwin Widget, famous pet photographer, says, using too much contrast is almost everyones weakness. Now I make it a habit to turn my contrast in the opposite direction.
I was a helpful harriet here, I took your second edited photo, and decreased the contrast in photoshop by -50,
contrast here 3 times, it shows even more detail and color! The rock became even less bright.
Before:
http://www.hikenbike.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/rockplant-1.jpg
After -50 contrast/
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m239/soapystuff/photos/rockplant-1-50contrast.jpg
After -50 x 2 contrast
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m239/soapystuff/photos/rockplant-1-100contrast.jpg
After -50 x 3 contrast
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m239/soapystuff/photos/rockplant-1-150contrast.jpg
I’m the really annoying one in photography classes who takes everyones photos and plays with them.
Hey Rich!
So I finally got a chance to check out your site(s). Yea, definately a lot better than the pages I designed once upon a time.
I really like the touch up on this photo. The pattern on the bottom left rock is really neat. It’s better that it got brought out.
Anyways, you know how the other day you recommended the Handbrake software for my ipod? Yea……not working….. It’s not the greatest feeling when you feel like hitting your computer screen, ouch!
But I’m TOTALLY STUCK. It’s like Greek to me, and that’s no bueno! Couldn’t Videora do the same thing? SOS! I’m so bummed about this whole “not being able to get movies on my ipod” thing.
Welp, I guess I’m just gonna go back to downloading musica. TTYL